Galz in Tech: Judith Owigar

Who is Judith Owigar and what do you do? I am a woman in technology. I am passionate about empowering young girls and especially using technology to do this. I am the President of Akirachix where we use technology to support women. I am also an entrepreneur. I am currently building a platform for jua kali (blue collar) workers in Kenya.

Judith Owigar, AkiraChix President

Do you have any formal training in the field of tech? Yes, I have a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi. I also try to do a couple of online courses. There is no end to learning in the field of tech, online resources come in handy when learning about new concepts.

What application(s) are you working on or have you worked on? I am currently working on a platform for jua kali workers in Kenya. I have previously worked on mobile applications and websites some for my employers and others were just personal projects. I am partial to applications that have a mobile component.

Why did you choose to be in the field of technology? I believe that access to technology improves the lives of people. For this reason I would like to develop technological solutions that improve the lives of people. Technology is a great enabler in Africa, we just need to find ways to exploit it.

What challenges have you faced in the tech industry so far? Setting up an organisation that has set out to increase the percentage of women in the field of technology is challenging. This is because we are dealing with issues of perception and culture that take time to be dealt with.

What would you do if you were not in the field of tech? I would probably do something that involved chemistry and math. Those were my favorite subjects in high school

Tell us something interesting about you? I want to speak French fluently.

6 Comments

thanx judy for being an inspiration to me when i joined Akirachix Training i didnt have any idea on computers thanks to you and the rest of the team for this opportunity everyday i visit akirachix blog i just want to do the work you are doing.God bless

[…] doing. Judith Owigar is interested in helping people with mobile apps. I love what Judith said in a blog interview: “I believe that access to technology improves the lives of people. For this reason I would […]

Comment…Judith am really impressed. I wish I could invite you to Mombasa. I have a daughter Sharon who is really interested in graphic design but his and where to start is a challenge. wish you the best.